The Values Carry On: Aboriginal Identity Formation of the Urban-Raised Generation

Abstract

In research with urban Aboriginal men from the Toronto area, it was found thatfamilies inherently passed on Indigenous cultural values regardless of how explicitlythe parents taught these values to their children. Aboriginal cultural values areingrained in the families and are passed down such that they may be communicatedand absorbed implicitly. The values of respect, love, autonomy, family, acceptance,ingenuity, and ability to adapt as they are uniquely interpreted in Indigenouscultures were mentioned by the participants as those cherished by their families.Employing a learning circle methodology revealed some of the historical or socialinfluences that affected choices to identify openly as Aboriginal for members ofdiverse generations in the times and places where they lived.